Order of Service 3 September 2017

OUT OF THE DARK - A BUSH IS BURNING -

A COMMUNION SERVICE

WELCOME TO KNOX

Knox Church is a congregation within the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand. We aim to create Christian community in which people of all

ages, sexual orientations, cultural backgrounds and socio-economic situations are included as equally valued participants in our congregational life. We cherish our diversity, offering a safe place of belonging to any who wish to

explore their beliefs in an atmosphere promoting discussion, the development of healthy relationships and spiritual growth. We strive to be open to dialogue and shared experiences with people of other faiths. We enjoy worshipping the God made known in Jesus, endeavouring to do so in ways that are relevant to our daily lives, respect the integrity of creation, and make a positive difference

to our wider world.

A loop system for hearing aids operates at Knox.

Toilets are available through the door on the lectern side of the sanctuary.

This is a communion service. On the understanding that God desires to nurture people at every stage of their journey, the table at Knox is an open one.

Members of any denomination, as well as any who are seeking God sincerely, are welcome to receive communion here.

The Call to Worship: We light a candle in the name of Jesus Christ, the Light of the world.

JESUS, WHOSE LIFE WAS A FLAMING FIRE OF GOD’S LOVE; JESUS, WHO CALLS US INTO THE RECOVERY OF HOPE; JESUS, WHOM THE DARKNESS NEVER OVERCAME. Kia noho a Ihowa ki a koutou. God be with you. MA IHOWA KOE E MANAAKI. GOD BLESS YOU. Hymn: Hyfrydol Rowland Huw Prichard (1811-1887)

1. I will sing the wondrous story of the Christ whose love for me turned my path to true adventure, set my road to liberty. Yes, I'll sing the wondrous story of the Christ whose light shone free, sing it with his saints in glory, gathered by the crystal sea. 2. I was lost: but Jesus found me, found the sheep that went astray, raised me up and gently led me back into the blessèd way. Yes, I'll sing the wondrous story . . . 3. Faint was I, and fears possessed me, bruised was I from many a fall, hope was gone, and shame distressed me: but his love has pardoned all. Yes, I'll sing the wondrous story . . . 4. He will keep me till the shining of the light within my heart is transfigured by his guiding, giving life to life’s each part. Yes, I'll sing the wondrous story . . . Francis Harold Rowley (1854-1952), alt MJ, 2017.

Prayer of Approach Faint was the world, fear was a possessor. Bruised were we from many a fall, UNTIL GOD CAME FORTH IN LOVE. Lost was the world, civilisations flourished, then fell. In decadence, slaves were bought and sold, UNTIL GOD CAME FORTH IN JUSTICE. Sleeping was the world, human potential decayed. Dreams were forgotten, UNTIL GOD CAME FORTH WITH HOPE. The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the long-forgotten God of milk and honey, the God of assurance and future - THIS GOD CAME FORTH WITH LIFE AND RENEWAL. So as civilizations rise and pass, as certainties come and go, as challenges to spirit flicker and flame, WE WORSHIP THE GOD OF BUSHES WELL BURNING. Before his God, Moses was confronted by the need to take off his shoes. HE WAS ON HOLY GROUND. We also, in our time and place, know that we live in the presence of the holy: LOVE, JUSTICE, HOPE, RENEWAL, A FIRE THAT BURNS. So we confess before our God that which is neither sacred nor lovely: SLAVERY AND DESPAIR, ALIENATION AND LACK OF WELCOME, SQUANDERED POTENTIAL AND CYNICISM BEFORE HOPE.

. . . Lord have mercy. CHRIST HAVE MERCY. Lord have mercy. Assurance and Response . . . In the name of Christ I say to you: You are forgiven and you are free. THANKS BE TO GOD. AMEN. The Notices

If there are younger ones present A Conversation with the Younger Ones

We stand for The Litany for Fathers’ Day:

All who gather here are sons or daughters. For fathers everywhere, who have given us life and love, HOLY GOD, HEAR THIS PRAYER FOR OUR FATHERS. For men who may or may not have children of their own, but act like a father to people in need of advice, support, nurturing and love, HOLY GOD, HEAR THIS PRAYER FOR OUR FATHER FIGURES. For step-fathers who have assumed a role with love and joy, who have loved the children of another as their own, HOLY GOD, HEAR THIS PRAYER FOR STEP-FATHERS. For adoptive fathers, for whom the arrival of a child has been a blessing and a delight assisted by others, HOLY GOD, HEAR THIS PRAYER FOR ADOPTIVE FATHERS.

For fathers who have been unable to be a source of strength, who have not responded to the needs of their children, and have not sustained the families, HOLY GOD, HEAR THIS PRAYER FOR ABSENTEE FATHERS. For fathers who struggle with temptation, violence or addiction, for those who do harm, and for those whom they have harmed, HOLY GOD, HEAR THIS PRAYER FOR FATHERS WHO STRUGGLE. For new fathers, full of hope on the learning curve, for long-time fathers, full of wisdom, for fathers yet to be, and fathers soon to be, HOLY GOD, HEAR THIS PRAYER FOR THE FATHERS OF YOUR CHURCH. For those who have shaped our lives without claim of family or kinship, for those who have taught us, guided us, shaped and moulded us into servants of Christ, HOLY GOD, HEAR THIS PRAYER FOR THE FATHERS OF OUR FAITH. God, whom Jesus called “Father”, in wisdom and love you have made all things. Bless these men, that through their humanity all may see your loving fatherhood manifest. MAY WE, THEIR SONS AND DAUGHTERS, HONOUR THEM ALWAYS WITH A SPIRIT OF GRATITUDE AND RESPECT, THROUGH JESUS, JOSEPH’S SON. AMEN.

Adapted from Rev. Robb McCoy’s Litany, http://fatpastor.me

Young People’s Blessing: Young ones, go to your worship with our blessing. TAKE OUR FAITH AND HOPE; MAKE NEW THINGS WITH WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN. MAY GOD BLESS AND GROW YOU. AMEN.

Young ones are welcome to move through to the Sala del Sol (upstairs in the Knox Centre) for well supervised, faith-based youth activities. Scripture Lesson: Exodus 3: 1-15

In this is the Word of God. THANKS BE TO GOD.

Sermon: The people, the person, the perceiving, the promise provoked

Generally, sermons are posted on our website shortly after the service at: http://www.knoxchurch.co.nz/sermons.html

Hard copies of the sermons are available before and after the service – ask the person at the door.

Music for Reflection Prayers for Others and Ourselves To the minister’s words “God of the burning bush”, you are encouraged to respond “ENLIGHTEN AND BLESS YOUR WORLD”. . . . OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN HALLOWED BE YOUR NAME, YOUR KINGDOM COME, YOUR WILL BE DONE, ON EARTH AS IN HEAVEN. GIVE US TODAY OUR DAILY BREAD. FORGIVE US OUR SINS AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO SIN AGAINST US. SAVE US FROM THE TIME OF TRIAL AND DELIVER US FROM EVIL. FOR THE KINGDOM, THE POWER AND THE GLORY ARE YOURS NOW AND FOR EVER. AMEN.

The Offering and Dedication

We stand for the dedication of the Offering.

Blessed are you, O God of all creation. Through your goodness, we have this money to offer, which we have earned using the talents that you have given us. It will further the work of your kingdom. BLESSED BE GOD FOREVER. Blessed are you, O God of all creation. Through your goodness we have this bread to offer, which earth has given and human hands have made. It will become for us the bread of life. BLESSED BE GOD FOREVER.

Blessed are you, O God of all creation. Through your goodness we have this wine to offer, fruit of the vine and work of human hands. It will become for us our spiritual drink. BLESSED BE GOD FOREVER, THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD, AMEN.

The Passing of the Peace Kia tau tonu te rangimarie o te Ariki ki a koutou. The peace of Christ be with you all.

A KI A KOE ANO HOKI; AND ALSO WITH YOU. We exchange a sign of peace with one another. Communion Hymn: Here I am Lord: Dan Schutte S.J. (b. 1947)

1. I, the Lord of sea and sky, I have heard my people’s cry. All who dwell in dark and sin, my hand will save. I who made the stars of night, I will make their darkness bright. Who will bear my light to them? Whom shall I send?

Refrain: Here I am Lord. Is it I Lord? I have heard you calling in the night. I will go Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart.

2. I the Lord of snow and rain, I have borne my people’s pain. I have wept for love of them. They turn away. I will break their hearts of stone, give them hearts for love alone. I will speak my word to them. Whom shall I send?

3. I the Lord of wind and flame, I will tend the poor and lame. I will set a feast for them, my hand will save. Finest bread I will provide till their hearts be satisfied. I will give my life to them. Whom shall I send?

Dan Schutte, S.J. (b. 1947)

We sit for The Invitation, the Institution, the Setting Apart of the Elements

The Great Eucharistic Prayer: May God be with you. AND ALSO WITH YOU. Lift up your hearts. WE LIFT THEM TO GOD. Let us give thanks to the world’s creator. IT IS RIGHT TO GIVE OUR THANKS AND PRAISE. It is right indeed . . . The Breaking of the Bread

Lamb of God:

Jesus, Lamb of God, HAVE MERCY ON US. JESUS, BEARER OF OUR SINS, HAVE MERCY ON US. JESUS, REDEEMER OF THE WORLD, GRANT US YOUR PEACE. The Communion

For the distribution, please come forward to the table, receive some bread from the loaf, dip it in the cup, and return to your seat.

If you prefer non-alcoholic grape juice or gluten free bread please take communion from the server with the communion tray.

The Prayer After Communion

Eternal God, we give you thanks and praise that while we were still far off you met us in your Son, and brought us home. MAY WE WHO SHARE HIS BREAD LIVE HIS RISEN LIFE; WE WHO DRINK HIS CUP BRING LIFE TO OTHERS; WE WHOM THE SPIRIT LIGHTS GIVE LIGHT TO THE WORLD, THAT ALL YOUR CHILDREN SHALL BE FREE, AND THE WHOLE EARTH LIVE TO PRAISE YOUR NAME. AMEN. Hymn: Moscow Felice Giardini (1716-1796)

1. God whose almighty word chaos and darkness heard and took their flight, hear us, we humbly pray, and, where the gospel day sheds not its glorious ray, let there be light!

2. Saviour, who came to bring, on your redeeming wing, healing and sight, health to the sick in mind, sight to the inly blind, now to all humankind let there be light!

3. Spirit of truth and love, life-giving, holy Dove, speed on your flight! Move on the waters’ face, bearing the lamp of grace, and in earth’s darkest place let there be light!

4. Gracious and holy Three, glorious Trinity, Wisdom, Love, Might, boundless as ocean’s tide rolling in fullest pride, through the world far and wide let there be light!

John Marriott (1780-1825) alt.

Benediction and Sung Amen Postlude: Bolero de Concert Louis James Alfred Lefébure-Wély (1817-1869)

Tea and coffee are served in the Knox Centre Lounge following the morning service

Music printed in this order of service is covered under a music copyright licence agreement: LicenSing #604802

Last year’s General Assembly, looking forward to this year’s general election, adopted the following statement:

“We say yes”.

Justice in Action: “We say “yes!”

Say yes to the dignity and value of every person. We say no to a society that ascribes different value to people depending on where they were born or how they make their way in this world. Therefore we commit ourselves to the work of peace making, reconciliation and building a society of justice and equality.

Say yes to closing the gap between the rich and the poor. We say no to the rich getting richer at the expense of the poor getting poorer. Therefore we seek to give privilege to the voices of the poor in our communities.

Say yes to dignified and affordable housing that provides for the wellbeing of family and community. We say no to families forced to live in garages and in unhealthy over crowded homes. Therefore we seek the collaboration of Government, businesses, social service agencies, social entrepreneurs and local faith communities to find short and long term solutions to the crisis of homelessness.

We say yes to safe and loving families. We say no to family violence. Therefore we support white ribbon and neighbours days and conversations in our communities that break the silence on family violence.

Say yes to a New Zealand that is welcoming and hospitable to refugees seeking sanctuary. We say no to outdated government policies that fail to make New Zealand a responsible global citizen. Therefore we advocate for an increase in the refugee quota along with communities of welcome and hospitality.

We the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand say yes to rolling up our sleeves and doing something about it. We say no to all talk and no action. Therefore we are prepared to put our resources of time, talent and treasure to making a difference as a visible witness to the good news of Jesus Christ.

In the upcoming 2017 General Election and beyond we say yes to policies that deliver greater social equality. We say no to tax cuts that do not meet the needs of the most vulnerable. Therefore we seek any government proposal on tax cuts be redirected towards the needs of the most vulnerable AND a review of our taxation policies to reflect an equitable society.

We say yes to a sustainable and zero carbon economy. We say no to policies and practices that contribute to unsustainable growth such as dependence on fossil fuels and excessive lifestyles Therefore we advocate movement towards clean and sustainable energy and action to limit destructive human impacts on the environment

Within our own communities of faith we say yes to "Justice and Action" being incorporated into the life and mission of every congregation. We say no to blind eyes and deaf ears to the cry of the poor. Therefore we pray that we will be broken open by the love of God for our communities and become agents of grace, compassion, healing and social transformation. The PCANZ, along with Presbyterian Support, is sitting around the table with Government and social service agencies giving voice and advocacy on these issues.

The PCANZ, in partnership with Presbyterian Support throughout the country, is offering practical support and resources as we work together towards social transformation.

We call upon every Presbyterian, Union and Cooperating congregation to take up the gospel mandate of being agents of Justice and Action.

NOTICES This Week: 3 September – 9 September 2017 Today 10.00am Morning Worship 7.00pm Knox Café – see below Wednesday 10.00am Bible Study

Next Week: 10 September – 16 September 2017 Sunday 10.00am Morning Worship 2.30pm Knox Singers Concert – see below Wednesday 10.00am Bible Study Soup Booklet - The booklet of delicious soups eaten at the recent Forum Series is now ready for Sale. $5 per copy with all proceeds going to Knox rebuild. Available in the Knox Foyer or from the Church Office. Knox Café - The next Knox Cafe will be held in the Knox lounge on Sunday September 3 at 7pm. We will have a conversation with a group of local Muslim Women . Tea and coffee will be provided please bring anything else you want. All Welcome . Blessed are the Peacemakers – Talk and Workshop by Dr Sami Awad. Presented by Canterbury Interfaith Society. 6 September at Oxford Terrace Baptist Church, 288 Oxford Terrace. Workshop: Non Linear Thinking as a Tool for Peacemaking, 2 – 5pm. Talk: Non Violence and Transformation: A Paradigm Shift in Peacemaking, 7 – 8.30pm. For catering purposes, please let us know of your intention to attend. Donations gratefully received towards Dr Sami’s expenses. Check Facebook link for more details. https://www.facebook.com/events/1600530179959348/ Spring Sunday - Sunday 10th September. To celebrate Spring it is intended to deliver small bunches of flowers to our Shut In and other Senior members after the service. It would be great if you could bring spring flowers to be distributed after the service – the flowers can be already bunched or will be bunched after the service. Also needed, will be people to deliver the flowers – this will be an opportunity to connect with other church people. The Knox Singers – Present “A Spring Awakening” – An afternoon of your favourite Hymns and Anthems, Vivaldi’s Gloria and selections from Handel’s Messiah. Musical Director, Daniel Cooper. Sunday 10th September 2.30pm at Knox Church. Entry $15 waged, $10 unwaged, $25 Family.

Knox church values the support of all who are involved in our community’s life. For those who wish to contribute financially, charitable donations are eligible for a tax rebate of 33%. Options are available for

giving; for information please contact our Donation Secretary,

Janet Wilson, ph 338 7203, email janetwilson@clear.net.nz

Bible readings for next week will be:

• Psalm 104: 14-24 • 1 Corinthians 3: 1-9

Knox Directory

28 Bealey Ave, Christchurch 8013 Secretary: Jane Ellis, ph. (03) 379 2456,

office@knoxchurch.co.nz Office hours: Mon-Fri 9.00am-noon

Visit our website www.knoxchurch.co.nz

website

Minister: Rev. Dr Matthew Jack minister@knoxchurch.co.nz

Session Clerk: Janet Wilson, ph. (03) 338 7203

Director of Music: Daniel Cooper, organist@knoxchurch.co.nz

Pastoral Assistant: Jan Harland ph. 0273560215

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